"We believe we must give shape for emergence of democratic State that corresponds with our country and our people. Some big nations are siding with interests of the individual which they desire and believe in one-sided false news, are unjustly pressuring our country, causing all kinds of difficulties to 52 million Myanmar people."

Referring to the aspirations of the Muslims of the East, Karuna Amman said that the LTTE would speak with the Muslim leaders and thereafter take up their issues with the government, or it is the duty of the Tigers to protect the Muslims.

The LTTE, which concluded its deliberations on the draft interim administration proposals for the North East, expressed confidence of the government accepting its counter proposals, but also warned of serious consequences should it be rejected.

Tamil Tiger rebels are likely to make counter-proposals to the Sri Lanka government within a month to revive the peace talks and will leave for Switzerland shortly for talks with government authorities.

Military-ruled Myanmar blamed Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party for frustrating reforms in the country and said U.S. economic sanctions were only aimed at encouraging the emergence of a puppet government.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expressed full backing for Myanmar Prime Minister Khin Nyunt’s initiative to press ahead with a roadmap for peace and national reconciliation, urging all parties in Myanmar to work together and expressing hope that the policy shift would bring global benefits.

The elephant God Ganesh today descended on a 10-day sojourn to earth as the festival began in Maharashtra amidst fanfare and revellery with police making elaborate secuirty arrangement in view of the recent twin bomb blasts.

Packed into buses, pick-up trucks, taxis and cars, an estimated 500,000 mourners descended on the holy city of Najaf for the burial of Iraq's leading Shia cleric who was among at least 80 people killed by a car bomb.

The Government has been called to determine on the controversial issue of public servants taking part in organising activities connected with 'Pongu Thamil' celebrations conducted by pro-LTTE groups in military- controlled areas in the north and east.

Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Minister Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena met with the head of the LTTE administrative wing for the Wanni, in Killinochi to review the progress of projects funded by the UNHCR. The meeting was held behind closed doors.

A 289-page scathing report against a book on Rohingyas has raised concern among the exiled dissidents in Thailand. Rohingyas - whose homeland lies between Burma Proper and Bangladesh is an ethnicity, which is still a subject of hot debate continuing in the midst of the Arakanese.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a condolence message on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Mohammad Baqer Hakim said the tragedy in Najaf and the martyrdom of the grand combatant scholar was undoubtedly carried out in line with the objectives of the U.S. and the Zionists.

Health and Poverty issues are expected to dominate in The second phase of the 59th annual Commission session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The Commission sessions are scheduled to be held from 1 to 4 September in Bangkok.